February 2022

  • /

Norman Ray Thompson, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 7:13 PM at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.  

He was born on August 15, 1942, in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Lewis Raymond and Delora (Winget) Thompson.  On May 14, 1997, Norman married Gloria J. Conrad and she preceded him in death on August 13, 2003.

Norman is survived by his two children: Randy (Laura) Thompson of Pataskala and Kristina Allen of Bellefontaine; a grandson, Hunter Allen; a brother, Richard (Rita) Thompson of Ottawa; and a sister, Norleen (Gene) Neinberg of Pandora. 

  • /

George "Mike" "Wally" Cox, 73, passed away February 7, 2022 at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood, Ohio.  Mike was born December 9, 1948 in Lima to George and Lena (Gratz) Cox.  On March 18, 1973 he married Patricia Rockhill Cox.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of Allen East High School and received his associate's degree in Wildlife and Conservation Management from Hocking Hills Technical College.  He was a retired career firefighter for the City of Lima.  Mike was also a 45 year volunteer member of the Bluffton Fire Department retiring as Assistant Chief and had previously served as police officer for the Village of Bluffton.  Mike was a firefighting instructor at Apollo Career Center, Lima and was a past leader for the Bluffton Boy Scout Troop #256.  

  • /

The Bluffton Icon only charges for three kinds of classified ads: real estate, vehicles, and business services.

The rest are free, including:

  • Birthday Notices
  • Card of Thanks
  • Events of Interest
  • Free
  • Garage Sales
  • Help Wanted
  • Lost and Found
  • Notices
  • Open Houses
  • Wanted

E-mail ads to [email protected]. We'll run your ad for 10 days. (No phone calls.)

  • /

Apollo Career Center will kick off Career Tech Education Month® with the annual All Area Boards Meeting held Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the Apollo Commons. Apollo Superintendent Keith Horner will be providing opening remarks beginning at 6:45.

Roger Mathews, a 1998 graduate of Allen East and Apollo's Auto Mechanics program, will be inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. Sprint Electric and Challenge Electric will be honored as Co-Employers of the Year.

  • /

Updated February 9.

The Bluffton Exempted Village Schools has announced the implementation of FinalForms, an online forms and data management service. FinalForms allows families to complete and sign all forms online.

The new service will streamline the paperwork process beginning with kindergarten registration.

For more information, visit https://www.blufftonsch.oh.schools.bz/administration/14. NOTE: Kindergarten registration begins with a link on the right column.

  • /

The United Way of Greater Lima announced today they have hired Erin Walsh Hardesty as the new President and CEO.  She will be taking over in March 2022, replacing Derek Stemen who will be joining LifeWise Academy to serve as their Director of Advancement.  LifeWise Academy positively impacts students, schools, and communities by providing a Bible-based, character-focused, Released Time Religious Instruction program.  

By Cort Reynolds

  • /

Playing at home, the Bluffton High School boys basketball team decisively defeated Elida 60-34 in a non-conference bout Tuesday night, February 8.

The Pirates improved to 16-2 with the one-sided win. The Bulldogs dropped to 3-16 with the defeat.

Trenton Donley led three Pirates in double figures with 17 points and three treys. Trey Boblitt drained four triples to score 14 points. Kyler Kinn added 11 markers.

The Pirates knocked down nine treys and outscored Elida 38-19 in the second half to secure the win.

  • /

Boutique 415 and Polished, 415 N. Main St., will host a special Sip, Shop & Save event from 5: 30-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 10.

The event includes

25% off all graphic Valentine tees and red tops

$5 hand paraffin dip and chair massage (10 minutes)

Shop new spring arrivals

Door prizes

Rocket Rumblings by Matt M. Stutz

  • /

The Pandora-Gilboa High School boys basketball team (7-0 BVC, 4-1 PCL, 12-6) had their highly anticipated Blanchard Valley Conference match-up against Liberty-Benton (6-1 BVC, 14-4) postponed Friday night, February 4, due to the weather. The make-up date is Saturday, Feb. 19 at Pandora, with a JV tip-off at 6 p.m., for these two teams that are currently top ranked in the BVC.  

  • /

The Bluffton Public Library invites individuals and famlies to enjoy reading challenges and activities with Beanstack. Who's it for? Readers ages 0-109.

In February, the are two categories:

For the Love of Reading

This month, share the love of reading with fun activities and book recommendations. Check out some of our favorite reads for all ages here at Beanstack! Log your reading and complete activities to earn badges all month long.

Black History Month 2022

Pages